Your Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Everything you need for an unforgettable Caribbean adventure

Getting to the Dominican Republic by Air

The country maintains seven international airports connecting visitors from around the globe. Whether you’re coming from North America, Europe, or South America, direct flights make reaching the island convenient.

Las Américas International (SDQ)

Santo Domingo Hub

Positioned 20 kilometers east of the capital city, this major international hub processes millions of passengers annually. The airport connects extensively with United States cities, Caribbean islands, and Central and South American destinations.

Punta Cana International (PUJ)

Busiest Airport

As the country’s busiest airport, Punta Cana welcomes over 8 million travelers each year. Direct routes from major North American cities, multiple European countries, and Latin American destinations. Minutes from eastern beach resorts.

Gregorio Luperón (POP)

North Coast Gateway

This northern gateway serves Puerto Plata and the Amber Coast region. Regular flights from major North American cities and seasonal European service. Perfect for accessing Cabarete, Sosúa, and northern beaches.

Additional Airport Options

  • La Romana (LRM): Private charters and select commercial service for southeastern resorts
  • Samaná El Catey (AZS): Seasonal flights during peak tourism months
  • Santiago Cibao (STI): Growing international connections
  • Barahona María Montez (BRX): Limited regional service

Flight Duration Guide

  • From United States: Miami (2 hrs) • New York (3.5 hrs) • Los Angeles (6 hrs)
  • From Canada: Toronto (4 hrs) • Montreal (4.5 hrs) • Vancouver (8 hrs)
  • From Europe: Madrid (9 hrs) • London (9.5 hrs) • Paris (9 hrs)
  • From South America: Bogotá (2.5 hrs) • Buenos Aires (7 hrs) • São Paulo (7.5 hrs)

Understanding Dominican Geography

Hispaniola island houses two countries, with the Dominican Republic covering the eastern two-thirds of the landmass. Haiti occupies the western portion. The Atlantic Ocean borders the northern coastline while the Caribbean Sea washes the southern shores.

The country presents remarkably diverse terrain. Mountain ranges including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s highest peak at 3,098 meters, dominate the interior. Tropical rainforests cover significant areas, while desert conditions exist in the southwest. Over 1,600 kilometers of coastline feature pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and protected bays.

Seasonal Weather Patterns and Travel Timing

December Through April: High Season

These months deliver ideal beach conditions with temperatures ranging from 24-28°C (75-82°F). Rainfall remains minimal, humidity stays comfortable, and sunny days are the norm. The ocean is calm and perfect for swimming and water sports.

Expect higher accommodation rates, fuller restaurants, busier beaches, and the need to book activities in advance. If consistent weather matters most and crowds don’t bother you, these months deliver the most reliable experience.

May and November: Shoulder Season

These transitional months offer balanced advantages. Weather remains generally pleasant with occasional rain showers. Tourist numbers decrease noticeably, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

The real benefit shows in pricing. Hotel rates drop significantly compared to high season. These months work well for travelers seeking value without sacrificing too much weather reliability.

June Through October: Summer and Hurricane Season

Summer brings heat and humidity. Temperatures climb, and afternoon thunderstorms become common. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with September and October presenting the highest risk.

Prices hit their lowest points of the year. The island feels less touristy, and you’ll experience more authentic local culture. If you maintain flexible dates and secure travel insurance, the savings can be substantial.

Must-Visit Destinations

Santo Domingo – Historical and Cultural Heart

The capital city holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1496. The Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves 16th-century architecture across cobblestone streets.

Walk through streets where history lives in every building. Visit the First Cathedral of the Americas, completed in 1540. Explore museums showcasing Taíno indigenous culture, colonial history, and Dominican art. The Alcázar de Colón, former residence of Diego Columbus, stands as a remarkable example of colonial architecture.

Beyond history, Santo Domingo pulses with contemporary Dominican life. Restaurants range from traditional comedors to upscale international cuisine. The nightlife scene includes merengue and bachata clubs, cocktail bars, and live music venues.

Punta Cana and Bávaro – Beach Resort Paradise

Forty-eight kilometers of powder-white sand beaches define this eastern region. The water here shows remarkable clarity with turquoise and azure shades. This area hosts the highest concentration of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Water sports dominate activities: parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and sailing. Multiple championship golf courses attract serious players. The nightlife includes beach clubs, casino gambling, and themed entertainment.

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park protects twelve freshwater lagoons surrounded by subtropical forest. Hoyo Azul, a natural cenote at the base of a limestone cliff, displays stunning blue water perfect for swimming.

Samaná Peninsula – Natural Paradise

This northeastern peninsula remains less developed than Punta Cana, preserving natural beauty and authentic character. Dense vegetation covers mountains that drop dramatically to the sea.

From January through March, humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay for mating season. Thousands of whales gather in these protected waters, making this one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations.

El Limón Waterfall cascades 40 meters into a natural pool. Playa Rincón, often ranked among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, stretches two miles with minimal development. Los Haitises National Park features mangrove forests and caves with Taíno petroglyphs.

Cabarete and Sosúa – Water Sports and Beach Towns

The north coast between these two towns draws water sports enthusiasts from around the world. Cabarete earned international recognition as a kitesurfing and windsurfing destination. Consistent wind conditions and wave quality attract professionals and competitions.

Cabarete Beach buzzes with activity during the day and transforms into a social scene at night. Sosúa offers excellent snorkeling and diving sites with healthy coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Puerto Plata – Culture Meets Adventure

This historic port city blends colonial heritage with adventure tourism. The cable car ascending Mount Isabel de Torres provides panoramic views across the coastline and city. A large Christ statue stands at the summit.

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua offer one of the country’s most thrilling experiences. You hike up through forest, then descend by jumping, sliding, and swimming through natural water slides and pools.

La Romana and Bayahibe – Luxury and Island Escapes

This southeastern region combines upscale resort development with access to pristine natural areas. Casa de Campo includes world-class golf courses, a marina, and extensive grounds.

Altos de Chavón replicates a 16th-century Mediterranean village with stone buildings housing art galleries, craft workshops, and restaurants. Saona Island represents the quintessential tropical island with palm trees leaning over white sand and crystalline water.

Jarabacoa and Constanza – Mountain Retreats

The central mountains offer completely different scenery and climate from coastal areas. Temperatures drop significantly, creating spring-like conditions year-round.

Jarabacoa serves as the adventure base for white-water rafting, canyoning, and hiking to waterfalls. Constanza sits at higher elevation in an agricultural valley producing strawberries, vegetables, and flowers.

Essential Travel Documentation

Important: Before departure, secure your Dominican Republic E-ticket, the required electronic entry and exit form. Complete this online up to 72 hours before arrival. The system generates a QR code needed at immigration.

All visitors need passports valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. Most nationalities including U.S., Canadian, U.K., and European Union citizens can visit for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism.

Currency and Money Matters

The Dominican Peso (DOP) serves as official currency, with exchange rates typically around 55-60 pesos per U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, often at reasonable rates.

ATMs throughout the country dispense pesos and sometimes dollars. Using ATMs typically provides better exchange rates than currency exchange services, though foreign transaction fees apply.

Credit cards work at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist zones. Small businesses, street vendors, and rural areas operate cash-only. Notify your card issuer about travel plans to prevent card blocks.

Language Considerations

Spanish is the official and dominant language. English is spoken at tourist hotels, major attractions, and resort areas but becomes less common outside these zones. Learning basic Spanish phrases significantly improves your experience.

Essential phrases: buenos días (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon), buenas noches (good evening), por favor (please), gracias (thank you), cuánto cuesta (how much).

Safety and Health Recommendations

Safety Tips:

  • Use high-SPF sunscreen and reapply every two hours
  • Stay in well-traveled areas, especially after dark
  • Avoid displaying expensive items
  • Use hotel safes for passports and valuables
  • Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation
  • Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues

No vaccinations are required for entry from most countries. Being current on routine vaccinations is advisable. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is strongly recommended.

Local Customs and Etiquette

Dominicans are warm, friendly, and social. Greetings matter—always say buenos días, buenas tardes, or buenas noches when entering shops or starting conversations. Handshakes are standard for men, while women and close acquaintances often exchange kisses on the cheek.

Tipping is customary. At all-inclusive resorts, small cash tips ($1-5) for exceptional service are appreciated. Outside resorts, tip 10% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $2-3 per day for hotel housekeeping.

Transportation Around the Country

  • Taxis: Available in all tourist areas but rarely use meters. Agree on prices before starting trips.
  • Rental cars: Offer freedom but traffic can be chaotic. Insurance is mandatory and expensive. Expect $40-80 daily.
  • Intercity buses: Companies like Caribe Tours provide comfortable, air-conditioned service between major cities.
  • Domestic flights: Connect major destinations quickly, saving hours of driving.

What to Pack

Clothing: Lightweight fabrics, multiple swimsuits, nicer outfit for upscale restaurants, light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, water shoes.

Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, light long-sleeve shirt.

Practical items: Insect repellent with DEET, basic first aid kit, prescription medications, portable phone charger, waterproof phone case, reusable water bottle.

Electronics: The Dominican Republic uses 110V electricity with Type A/B plugs (same as United States).

Food and Dining

Dominican cuisine blends Taíno indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Rice and beans accompany most meals. Plantains appear fried or boiled.

Must-try dishes:

  • La Bandera Dominicana: White rice, red beans, meat, and salad
  • Mangú: Mashed plantain with fried cheese, salami, and eggs
  • Sancocho: Hearty stew with multiple meats and root vegetables
  • Fresh seafood: Whole fried fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch

Drinks: Presidente beer, local rum (Brugal, Barceló), Mamajuana (herbal rum drink), fresh fruit juices.

Mobile Phone and Internet

Check international roaming costs with your carrier before traveling. Alternatively, purchase a local SIM card from Claro, Altice, or Viva. Tourist plans with data typically cost $20-40 for one week.

Most hotels and resorts offer WiFi, though speeds vary. Coffee shops and restaurants in tourist areas typically offer WiFi to customers.

Final Preparations

3-4 weeks before: Confirm reservations, verify passport validity, complete vaccinations, purchase travel insurance.

1 week before: Complete E-ticket form, notify credit card companies, download offline maps, check weather forecasts, start packing.

Day before: Confirm flights, verify transfers, charge electronics, pack document copies, ensure you have small U.S. bills for tips.

The Dominican Republic welcomes visitors with natural beauty, rich culture, warm people, and diverse experiences. Whether you’re relaxing on pristine beaches, exploring colonial history, hiking mountain trails, or dancing to merengue, the country offers something for every travel style and preference.